Over the past several decades, American society has become increasingly sedentary. Whether this change is due, in part, to rapid technological development, economic challenges to our society, or a host of other factors, decreases in physical activity have been associated with diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis, and a number of different cancers.

In his presentation “Take a Walk: Aging, Ability and Brain Health,” guest speaker Professor Art Kramer of the University of Illinois will cover what is currently known about physical activity and exercise and their influence on healthy minds and brains. He also will briefly cover animal research that has elucidated the molecular and cellular mechanisms that related physical activity to brain function and cognition.

“My main focus will be human exercise research across the lifespan, covering both epidemiological and intervention students,” said Kramer, who is director of the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology and the Swanlund Chair and Professor ofPsychology and Neuroscience at the University of Illinois.

“Finally, I will conclude with a discussion of our knowledge gaps and how we might fill them with future research,” Kramer said.

The talk, which is free and open to the public, will take place:

TUESDAY, MARCH 13
4 – 5:30 P.M.
COLLEGE OF MEDICINE AUDITORIUM
FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY
TALLAHASSEE, FLA.

Kramer’s talk is part of Florida State’s Spring 2012 Colloquium Series on Successful Longevity.

All talks in the Successful Longevity series are sponsored by the Cognitive Area of Psychology, the Department of Psychology, the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Medicine, all at Florida State University.